The Story of Andy Kjearsgaard
Dickson was a Danish-Canadian community. All the children spoke English at school but Danish was still spoken in most homes. But there was no formal instruction in the Danish language. We kids could speak Danish but we couldn't read or write it.
The older generation worried that their language wouldn't be passed on. What would be abandoned next? Our culture? Our strong Christian faith?
After much discussion, the community decided to set up an annual three-week Danish Summer School. We kids considered being cooped up inside during the holidays a form of torture but we had no say in the matter. We would attend and we would learn to speak, read and write in the language of our forefathers––and mothers.
Now I'm grateful for this wise decision. Not only did my speaking skills improve, I learned to read and write Danish very well. Even now, I'm comfortable speaking with native Danes and I don't need a translator to read their letters. I can enjoy classical and modern Danish prose and poetry and can pass my appreciation on to my children and grandchildren.
Knowing Danish has helped me and my family to keep up our Danish traditions and guard our faith.
Danish Summer School. Where else would a Canadian farm boy learn so much?
Adapted from the 1994 Heritage Book,with permission from the Federation of Danish Associations in Canada
Teaser:
• Will Kjearsgaards celebrate Christmas the traditional way, or will Canadian customs prevail?
